In answer to your question. ..add the sparge water and stir vigorously to the point of foam. Vorlauf and drain as quickly as you wish. . No need to gently add water. No need to wait to drain or drain slowly.

No problems here. I found that the in house version for that other brewing forum is far more annoying. Doesn't start the way I prefer to view it and if I post in a thread I automatically favorite the thread and start getting emails after others post.

I have a homebrew store about 10 minutes away. Grains yeast kits equipment for beer and wine and knowledgeable staff. Another store in the franchise about 20 minutes away is my preferred store. Same supplies but only one person. He seems to know what he's doing. I also have a couple wine and beer stores ( like total wine) That carry DME beer kits. I even have a home kegging store less than 10 minutes away. CO2. Supplies. Equipment. Kegs. Sometimes DME kits

I actually don't use the upper cooler. If I had a second burner I would put It there to heat a hot liquor tank and avoid lifting or as I do it now. Moving sparge water one pitcher at a time from the boil kettle. I currently use the upper cooler on the floor as a collector for wort until I free up the boil kettle.

I haven't been there since they became this new mecca but I do live in NC. They are a big place for craft brewing. Even the big guys like Sierra are brewing there. Maybe a little research on the many breweries before a visit is in order.

I live in Charlotte with maybe a dozen craft breweries and have yet to actually visit one. Had some of their products and reviewed their websites and picked a few favorites to visit based on what they brew.The menu and my impressions of their craft.

I haven't looked at many of the breweries in Asheville but I have not seen any mention of what you discribe in Charlotte brew pubs

Maybe It was just bad luck on your choices with others trying to cash in on the success of the real thing